Last week, Talk Mental Health ID and @spaceenglish_id hosted Zine Tour Vol. 1, carrying the theme “Not Okay But Not Alone.” The event became a unique and meaningful space—a gathering where personal stories, unspoken emotions, and deep reflections found a place within the small yet powerful art form called zine.
Zine Tour was not just a creative activity. It was a journey—a reminder that even when we often feel “not okay,” we are never truly alone. Let’s take a look back at the special moments that were etched that day.
Zine Tour Vol. 1: Not Okay But Not Alone
The idea of the Zine Tour began with a simple thought: what can we do when things are not okay? Lately in Indonesia, many situations have reminded us that things are not okay—from social tensions to personal struggles that often remain unspoken. Zines became our answer—small, simple, and deeply personal. They act as both a response to difficult times and a spark for conversation, turning emotions into stories and stories into connections.
In this first tour, we wanted to bring the zine experience to communities. That’s why we collaborated with @spaceenglish_id, led by Ms. Ines, an English communication coach. This made the event even more unique: while creating zines, participants also practiced speaking English—gaining not just emotional expression, but also practical skills.
In academic discussions—such as in the publication from James Madison University’s Let’s & Publications series—zines are often highlighted for their role in self-representation, autonomy, and resistance. These qualities came alive during the event:
- Participants shaped their own narratives freely, without filters.
- The simple format made the activity accessible to everyone.
- Difficult emotions found a safe outlet, from worries to hopes.
- Sharing zines built connection and empathy within the group.
Stories Between the Lines: What We Discovered in Zine Tour Vol. 1: Not Okay But Not Alone
Every zine we created was more than just pages—it was a reflection of courage, honesty, and connection. From the first warm introductions to the quiet moments of reflection, and from turning emotions into art to celebrating human connection, each step reminded us of the lessons that matter most.
Beyond the Pages: Opening a New Chapter in Zine Tour
Every journey begins with a single step, and for us, that step was opening new pages in the form of a zine.
Zine Tour Vol. 1: Not Okay But Not Alone was designed as a platform where every participant could express themselves in their own way. No fixed rules, no right or wrong—only blank pages waiting to hold whatever needed to be written, drawn, or shared.
That day reminded us that everyone carries a story. And when that story is turned into a piece of work, no matter how small, it carries great meaning. One page, one voice, one journey.
Warm Welcome: A Sense of Safety That Connects
The gathering began with simple introductions. Yet from that moment, warmth filled the room.
Each person shared their name and a glimpse of their story, and from there, a sense of safety was born. This was no longer just a meeting space—it became a safe space where everyone felt seen, heard, and accepted.
We learned that vulnerability is not weakness, but strength. As participants opened up about their struggles and hopes, we realized that while each life story is different, there is always a thread that connects us all: the need to be understood, and the courage to show our true selves.
Art of Reflection: Pausing to Hear Ourselves
In daily life, we often get lost in routines. So many questions within us go unanswered simply because we never give them space.
During the reflection session, we slowed down. Simple yet profound questions were asked—about ourselves, our feelings, even the world around us. From there, meaningful silence was born.
There were no quick answers expected, because reflection is not about solving everything right away. It’s about honoring our own truth, giving space to our emotions, and daring to be honest with what we feel.
From Feeling to Form: When Emotions Become Art
After reflection, participants began to pour their feelings into visual form. The once-blank zines slowly filled with words, drawings, scribbles, and symbols that represented each personal journey.
The process felt like a little magic. Emotions that once felt abstract turned into something tangible—something that could be seen and touched.
A zine is more than paper. It is a home for the voices of the heart that are often left unheard. And in the hands of the participants, that home was filled with honesty, courage, and hope.
More Than Just an Event: The Power of Human Connection
What made the day truly special wasn’t just the finished zines, but the process itself. The spontaneous laughter, the quiet moments of concentration, the warmth of collective energy—all of it was real and heartfelt.
From the serious faces bent over writing to the wide smiles in the final group photo, every moment was proof of how powerful human connection can be. We may have come as individuals with our own stories, but we left with the feeling that we were part of something bigger.
Lessons to Carry Home
Through this event, Talk Mental Health ID reaffirmed one core message: it’s okay to not be okay—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
By creating together, participants were reminded that community is not just about gathering—it is about holding space for each other. Zine Tour Vol. 1: Not Okay But Not Alone became the seed of a movement, showing that healing can begin in small circles, through small actions, with big meaning.
From this session, we reflected that:
- Feeling “not okay” is something we can face together, and there are many ways to start meaningful conversations.
- Self-care is not selfish—taking care of ourselves gives us the strength to keep moving forward.
- Vulnerability is an art—when we dare to open up, we give others permission to do the same.
- Resilience is a creation—built slowly, step by step, just like the zine pages we filled together.
This is only the first step. Many more chapters are waiting to be written together, with more voices to be heard and more stories to be celebrated. Thank you to everyone who came and shared their stories. Your presence helped build a community of hope—one page, one story, one connection at a time.
Zine Tour Will Continue…
From the session, we learned that feeling “not okay” can be faced together, and that there are many ways to begin meaningful conversations. For Talk Mental Health ID, zines matter because they remind us that even the smallest pages can hold powerful stories of courage, healing, and connection.
Zine Tour Vol. 1: Not Okay But Not Alone is only the beginning. We believe there are many more stories waiting to be told, many more emotions ready to be expressed, and many more pages yet to be filled.
So, don’t miss our upcoming events. Let’s continue creating safe spaces, building hope, and reminding ourselves: Not Okay But Not Alone.
Take a piece of this journey with you—download the Zine for free here and let the stories travel with you wherever you go.
This is not goodbye, but see you soon.
The Zine Tour will continue—and we can’t wait to meet you at the next event!
